Enchilada Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of enchiladas to your table. This slow cooker recipe not only fills your home with the enticing aroma of Mexican spices but also delivers a plate full of delicious and satisfying food.
By combining extra-lean ground beef, a medley of vegetables, cooked pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies, this casserole becomes a hearty and flavorful meal. The spices like chili powder, ground cumin, and black pepper add a distinct kick to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Let’s explore the steps to create this mouthwatering Enchilada Casserole and indulge in its satisfying flavors!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) extra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
- ¾ cup (113 g) chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cups (342 g) no-salt-added cooked pinto beans
- 2 cups (344 g) no-salt-added cooked black beans
- 2 cups (360 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces (115 g) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces (115 g) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces (115 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 flour tortillas
PREPARATIONS:
- In a nonstick skillet, brown the extra-lean ground beef along with chopped onions and green bell peppers until the beef is cooked through.
- Add the cooked pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- In a slow cooker, start layering the casserole. Begin with about ¾ cup (150 g) of the beef mixture, followed by one flour tortilla, and approximately ¼ cup (30 g) of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 hours, allowing the casserole to cook and the flavors to develop.
TIPS:
- Customize your Enchilada Casserole by adding your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
- Serve the casserole with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Water: 188 g
- Calories: 564 (34% from fat, 25% from protein, 41% from carbs)
- Protein: 35 g
- Total fat: 22 g
- Saturated fat: 10 g
- Monounsaturated fat: 8 g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Phosphorus: 526 mg
- Calcium: 341 mg
- Iron: 7 mg
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Potassium: 1241 mg
- Vitamin A: 490 IU
- Vitamin E: 64 mg ATE
- Vitamin C: 26 mg
- Cholesterol: 67 mg
In conclusion, Enchilada Casserole is a fantastic slow cooker dish that encapsulates the flavors and essence of traditional enchiladas. With its combination of seasoned ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a blend of cheeses, this casserole offers a satisfying and delicious meal.
The convenience of a slow cooker allows you to effortlessly create this flavorful dish. By browning the ground beef with onions and green bell peppers and then simmering them with beans, tomatoes, green chilies, and a medley of spices, the flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
The layering of the casserole, with alternating levels of beef mixture, flour tortillas, and cheese, creates a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The slow cooking process tenderizes the ingredients while allowing the cheesy topping to melt into a gooey, irresistible finish.
To make this Enchilada Casserole your own, feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and additions. Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro can elevate the dish to new heights, adding freshness and a touch of heat.
Nutritionally, this recipe provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. With its abundance of fiber, essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium, and vitamins A, E, and C, this dish offers a nourishing and satisfying option.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. The aromatic spices, tender beef, and cheesy goodness make it a dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
In summary, Enchilada Casserole is an easy-to-make, slow cooker recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of enchiladas to your table. With its combination of seasoned ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal option. Give it a try and enjoy the enticing aroma and delightful flavors that will fill your home.
